Abstract
Background and Objectives: Keratoconus is the most common cause of keratoplasty. This study compares the results of two surgical techniques; deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) and penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) in patients with keratoconus.
Methods and Materials: 44 keratoconus patients enrolled in this study; 22 patients underwent penetrating keratoplasty and 22 patients underwent deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty. The mean measures were: uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) which were measured with Snellen chart and analyzed in log MAR unit. manifest refraction in the form of spherical equivalent, keratometric astigmatism, IOP, epithelialization of the cornea, sutures, slit lamp exam, topography, contrast sensitivity.
Results: Statistically, no meaningful difference in terms of uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) between two groups of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty and penetrating keratoplasty was observed (respectively P=0.27 and P=0.063).
Similarly, no meaningful difference, regarding spherical equivalent (SE) and keratometric astigmatism, between the two groups of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty and penetrating keratoplasty was observed (respectively, P=0.625 and P=0.069). Although the degree of astigmatism and spherical equivalent in the lamellar keratoplasty group was lower.
The results of the contrast sensitivity study in the last follow-up didn’t show any difference between the two groups (P=0.38).
Conclusion: It seems as if the deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty is an appropriate method in the treatment of Keratoconus with refractive results comparable with penetrating keratoplasty.